OpenAI, working alongside Harvard University economist David Deming, has unveiled a new paper entitled "How People Use ChatGPT." Drawing on a large - scale analysis of 1.5 million conversations, this paper uncovers the user behavior patterns of ChatGPT from its launch in November 2022 up to July 2025. By July 2025, ChatGPT boasted over 700 million weekly active users, making up roughly one - tenth of the global adult population.

The research discovered that the gender gap among users has substantially narrowed, with female users marginally outnumbering male users. Users in the 18 - to - 25 age bracket generate nearly half of all messages. Meanwhile, the proportion of work - related messages climbs as age increases.

In terms of the spread of AI tools, low - and middle - income countries have witnessed faster growth. The proportion of non - work - related messages jumped from 53% in mid - 2024 to 73% a year later. This suggests that ChatGPT is increasingly being used for entertainment, learning, and seeking life advice, gradually overtaking its applications in the workplace.

Among various user scenarios, practical guidance, information inquiries, and writing account for close to 80% of the usage. When it comes to writing, it mainly involves text revision rather than creating original content. User intentions can be categorized into asking questions (49%), carrying out tasks (40%), and expressing thoughts (11%). Users with higher education levels and those in high - paying occupations tend to ask more questions. This implies that ChatGPT functions more as a supplementary information tool rather than a direct substitute for work.

To safeguard user privacy and security, the study made use of automated classifiers and privacy - preserving techniques.